Google Search

Bournemouth boss blames referee for Arsenal loss

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has criticised the referee following our 2-0 win this past Sunday, insisting it was an easy decision to send Mathieu Flamini off and one that Kevin Friend got wrong, as reported by Goal.

Flamini dived in with a reckless two footed challenge after just eight minutes, and was arguably lucky to remain on the field. In the modern game any challenge where you’ve lost control, and for the most part any two footed challenge, is deemed a red card. Flamini remained on the pitch though and we went on to win the game.

Howe certainly believed the Frenchman should have been given his marching orders, and claimed he was shocked to see the decision not go his side’s way.

“I thought it was a red,” Howe said.

“I had a very good view, it looked like it was two-footed and potentially off the floor.

“I have only seen it live but my initial view was definite red card. I am going on first viewing but for me it was not a difficult decision. I felt that the two-footed challenge has been outlawed and it was a red card.”

Don't Miss:

We saw the impact of an early red card against Chelsea, and while Bournemouth are a totally different animal, we still could have been in trouble dropping down to ten men with less than ten minutes on the clock.

Thankfully Flamini remained on the field, and we were able to push on and get the win. Goals from Mesut Özil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – scored less than two minutes apart – ensured we came away from Dean Court with all three points, and thankfully we put an end to our disappointing run of fixtures.

Next week we’re playing host to league leaders Leicester City, and it will be the very definition of a six pointer. The Foxes have been a real surprise package this season, but we’re now into the second half of the campaign and we really need to take them totally seriously. We grabbed a 5-2 win in the reverse fixture, but we saw what they can do as they dismantled Manchester City 3-1 the other day.